RSSQUEZON CITY, Philippines (UCAN) — The new head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) brushed off questions about his integrity and political affiliations raised by critics, including some in the Church.
General Delfin Bangit told officials and guests at a handover ceremony that he was “not the kind of commander who will lead our soldiers astray.”
Vowing not to allow anybody to use him for partisan politics, the AFP chief of staff declared in Tagalog, “I will allow only God to use me.”
Opposition and anti-election fraud activists say they are concerned about President Gloria Arroyo’s appointment of her former presidential security group head.
Benedictine Sister Mary John Mananzan said yesterday she had received an anonymous text message saying Bangit may have been appointed to aid an administration cheating scheme.
She had passed the message to Henrietta De Villa of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), a Catholic Church-backed election monitor.
Father Jose Dizon of the Kontra Daya (anti-fraud) multi-sector poll watchdog also expressed concerns about Bangit’s appointment.
It “exacerbates fears that the AFP will again be used” to cheat, as he alleged Arroyo did in the 2004 elections.
General Bangit acknowledged he was assuming AFP leadership at a “very delicate time” with the “tight” deadline Arroyo had set for her armed forces to suppress insurgency before her term ends on June 30.
He vowed to remain apolitical in the May 10 elections and to fight insurgents while also respecting human rights.
He appealed for recognition of his “hard work” and “professional and dedicated service” during his 32-year career.
“The reason why I have so much respect for President Arroyo is because after all these years, never have I received illegal orders from her,” Bangit said.
The AFP had a “stigma” born from political activities of some members, the new chief said.
Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak of the Military Ordinariate who attended the ceremony agreed it was a challenging time for the AFP and that the military should not be politicized.
The Military Ordinariate is in charge of pastoral care of some 120,000 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops and their families, as well as personnel and families of the Philippines Coast Guard.
PR09077.1592 March 10, 2010 43 EM-lines (363 words)
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